September step challenge 2026

Take 300,000 steps this September and help change children's lives

We're now welcoming individuals, families, businesses and teams to join the Bubble Foundation's Step-tember Challenge 2026.

The challenge is simple:

Walk 300,000 steps throughout September.

That's around 10,000 steps a day, but if you'd prefer to set your own goal, that's absolutely fine. Every step and every pound raised makes a difference.

Why we're stepping

The Bubble Foundation supports children and families facing some of the toughest challenges imaginable at the Great North Children's Hospital.

Many children treated on Ward 3 require life-saving stem cell and bone marrow transplants to overcome rare and serious immune conditions. Treatment can involve long hospital stays, months of isolation and a difficult recovery journey.

Funds raised through Step-tember help us provide vital support, comfort, play, family wellbeing initiatives and enhancements that help children and families through treatment and recovery.

Together, we can help ensure children and families receive the support they need when they need it most.

How to get started

1. Create your fundraising page

2. Join as an individual, family or team

Taking part on your own? You're ready to go.

Want to take part with friends, family or colleagues? Create a team and invite others to join. (we can help!!)

3. Share your challenge

Tell people what you're doing and why you're supporting the Bubble Foundation. Share your fundraising page with friends, family, colleagues and social media followers.

Optional extras

Connect your tracker

Link your Fitbit, Strava or other activity tracker to your fundraising page so supporters can follow your progress throughout the month.

Personalised supporter graphics

If you'd like personalised graphics and social media content, get in touch and we'll do our best to help.

Email: bubble.foundation@nhs.net

Micro Challenges

Throughout September we'll be running bonus challenges and spot prizes, including:

• Best step photo

• Best step video

• Most creative walking location

• Step-tember Spirit Award

• Top individual fundraiser

• Top team fundraiser

• Most generous supporter network

• Weekly photo challenges

• Surprise challenges throughout the month

More details will be shared during the challenge.

Live Leaderboard

Participants will have the option to join our live Step-tember leaderboard and see how they compare with fellow steppers throughout the month.

We'll provide simple instructions on how to submit or sync your step totals once you've signed up.

Need help?

If you have any questions, need fundraising advice or would like support setting up your page, please get in touch.

Thank you for stepping with us and helping support children and families through treatment and recovery.

Every step counts.